Balancing Pregnancy and Teaching: Tips for Expecting Educators
Hello Teacher Friends,
We already know that the journey of teaching is already physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. Now imagine being pregnant the ENTIRE time from August to April. Being an educator is already a demanding career, having to balance the demands of the classroom with the joys (and discomforts) of pregnancy can be quite a challenge. As I enter my fifth year of teacher and second year teaching while pregnant, I've learned some valuable lessons and tips that I'd like to share with my fellow expecting educators. I just wanted to share some strategies to help you navigate the unique challenges of teaching while pregnant, ensuring a healthy balance between your professional responsibilities and the incredible journey of motherhood.
- Prioritize Self-Care
The first and most crucial tip for expecting educators is to prioritize self-care. Teaching is a demanding profession that requires your full attention and energy, and pregnancy brings its own set of physical and emotional challenges. Take time for yourself to rest, recharge, and attend to your physical and emotional well-being. This might include practicing prenatal yoga, getting plenty of sleep, and finding stress-reduction techniques that work for you.
For those educators that are on the second child like me, it may be even more difficult to find moments for self-care with a bumbling toddler, and it's okay to fall short some days, because I sure do. Every morning I try to wake up before my toddler to have a moment of peace with my dogs and stretch, and if that doesn't happen, then I try to use naptime or the time after he goes to bed to put an eye mask on and spend a moment in child pose. We just have to be creative with our time for self-care, but don't forget to make yourself a priority too my dear teacher friend.
- Communicate Openly
Open and honest communication with your school administrators, colleagues, and students is essential during pregnancy. Let your principal know about your pregnancy as soon as you feel comfortable, so they can support you with any necessary accommodations. Share your due date and any anticipated time off well in advance, so that your school can plan accordingly. Make sure to notify your Human Resource department by your third trimester so they can prepare for your extended leave.
- Plan Ahead
Expecting educators should start planning early. Create a detailed maternity leave plan that outlines your responsibilities, lesson plans, and expectations for your substitute teacher. Having a clear plan in place will help ensure a smooth transition during your absence. Additionally, consider how you will manage your workload leading up to your due date to avoid any last-minute stress.
During my first pregnancy, my son wasn't born until July, so I had to miss the first two months of the beginning of the next school year, so thanks to technology, I was able to post electronic assignments for students to work on while I was on leave. I was so bored during my maternity leave because my son was mostly a cute potato, that I even did grading while I was off as well.
For this second pregnancy, I am due in April, so I have prepared a nice review packet for my students to complete online while I'm away, so they can prepare for their End-of-Course exam while I am off having a baby. Not ideal, but we just have to be flexible sometimes.
- Lean on Your Support System
During pregnancy, leaning on your support system is crucial. Seek support from your partner, family, friends, and colleagues. Don't hesitate to delegate tasks or ask for help when needed. This is not the time to try and do everything on your own. Accept help graciously, and remember that it takes a village.
- Adjust Your Teaching Style
Pregnancy can bring physical discomfort and fatigue, which may require adjustments to your teaching style. Don't hesitate to modify your classroom setup to accommodate your changing body. For example, consider using a tall stool to sit when needed or delegate certain classroom responsibilities to your students. Be flexible and adapt your teaching methods as necessary.
- Stay Hydrated and Nourished
Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for both you and your growing baby. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day by keeping a water bottle at hand. Pack healthy snacks to maintain your energy levels during long school days. Consider carrying ginger candies or crackers to help with any pregnancy-related nausea. I had my desk filled with all the junk foods my pregnant heart could desire and brought a pack of water bottles to remain hydrated and full throughout the day.
- Dress Comfortably and Professionally
Invest in comfortable yet professional maternity clothing. Dressing comfortably can make a significant difference in your comfort level throughout the day. Choose clothing that allows for easy movement and is suitable for your classroom environment.
Also, remember to have a set of spare clothes, because if you are like me, you tend to wet yourself when you sneeze, laugh, or cough, so save yourself from embarrassment by wearing panty liners AND having a spare clothes incase you do wet yourself.
- Celebrate with your Students
My students have made being pregnant and a teacher so much fun, especially because I teach high school students. They get excited seeing my belly grow and being a part of the experience. I put a Baby Update on the board for my students to follow the growth and development of the baby, and it is so amazing to watch them get enthusiastic about it. You can even host a baby shower in you classroom for your students to participate in, which I did for my first pregnancy and was just a blast to build those moments with my loving students.
Conclusion
Balancing pregnancy and teaching can be challenging, but with careful planning, open communication, and self-care, it is entirely manageable. As I embark on my fifth year of teaching and my second year teaching while pregnant, these tips have proven invaluable in helping me find balance and maintain a healthy work-life-pregnancy harmony. Remember that you are not alone in this journey, and there is support available from your school, your loved ones, and the wider community of expecting educators. Embrace this unique chapter of your life, and let it be a reminder of your strength and resilience as an educator and a mother.
P.S. If you are reading this and not pregnant yet, I encourage you to get short-term disability insurance, especially if your maternity leave is unpaid like me.